Art & the Counter-Reformation

What's the Reformation?

a 16th century movement for religious reform, leading to the founding of Christian churches that rejected the pope's authority (i.e Prodestant)

What's the Counter-Reformation?

Catholic Church's attempt to stop the protestant movement and to reform the Catholic Church

Council of Trent

• Called by Pope Paul III, followed by the Protestant Reformation

• Issued decrees for changes within the church, including the proper uses of art in the church

What does the Council of Trent say about the proper use of art?

• No nudity

• No profanity

• No extra stuff, must be true to God's word

Michelangelo, Last Judgment, altar wall of the Sistine Chapel

• Commissioned by Pope Paul III

• Similar to the Last Judgment in the tympanum

• Fresco shows a visually chaotic scene, showing the fate that awaits the sinner

• Nudity was shown (later it was covered up w/drapery, Nudity Censorship)

Michelangelo, plan for St. Peter's

• Pope Paul III asked Michelangelo to take over the project of St. Peter's

• Similar Bramante's plan, with number of interlocking crosses & giant pilastres

New vs. Old St. Peter's

• New: Centralized plan (No Basilica)

• Old: Basilica